Our Backyard – Aireys Inlet

For those of us in real estate it seems that the landscape is changing daily in how we do business and indeed, if we are able to do business at all.In the event of further restrictions in response to the coronavirus, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) has written to the Victorian government urging it to consider the sector as an ‘essential’ industry that supports our state’s economy.President Leah Calnan outlined that real estate services and transactions must be allowed to continue during the COVID-19 crisis and ‘safeguarded’ during these chaotic times-especially if further restrictions come into play.‘While the provision of shelter itself is clearly an essential need, real estate professionals play a critical role in enabling the sale and purchase and ongoing management of shelter.’ she argued.The government has already banned public auctions and open for inspections due to a limit on gatherings and immediately the industry has adapted with the rise of online auctions and digital inspections.There has also been a six month moratorium on evictions for both residential and commercial tenants during the coronavirus pandemic.The Prime Minister’s message was that commercial and residential landlords and tenants will need to work together to try and come to an arrangement to get them through the next six months.In evidence that the coastal market is still alive and well, our Lorne office recently sold a property very close to the list price of $5.95m making it the second highest sale in Lorne ever. The highest sale was also achieved by our Lorne office only a couple of months ago as well.

We wish to take this opportunity to wish you all a very safe Easter. Obviously the coast will be very different to that of past Easter holidays.